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Why Don’t We Show Kindness to the Little Ones?
In a prophetic tradition, the Prophet would prolong his prostration so that Hasan and Hussein could rest on his back. Some Muslims even thought it was a revelation from the heavens or a divine message. Abu Bakr once said, "What a good camel your two animals are," and the Prophet replied, "And what good riders they are."
Some of us read this story briefly and overlook the Prophet’s tenderness toward children. Haven’t you heard of his comforting Uncle Umair when he asked him, “How did the Nughair (sparrow) do?!”? And who was Uncle Umair but a young boy, who was privileged to be close to the Messenger of Allah and was petted by him, so his story became a topic of conversation in gatherings.
During my last visit to the blessed Rawdah, I took my young son with me to introduce him to Islamic landmarks and to strengthen the bond of love between him and his Prophet. When we approached the holy grave to send greetings, the crowd was so dense that my son couldn’t see anything. I then carried him from his shoulders so he could see what the little ones see. He started giggling and said, “You make me laugh!” I tried again, holding him from his shoulders, and he continued to laugh until I gave up. I resorted to taking pictures so he could see what he couldn’t see!
Many adults do not pay attention to the Prophet’s message of kindness toward children. Isn’t he the mercy sent to all worlds? Wasn’t he a mercy to the universe? Why don't we learn from him the art of gentleness and patience with children?
In a beautiful scene, a young girl accompanying her father gave my little son a piece of candy. An idea then blossomed: to distribute sweets to every child we see. My son took on this task, chasing after children to give them small gifts. Despite the simplicity of the experiment, we collected many smiles, even from accompanying fathers. That’s why I made a mental note never to forget the bag of candies when I visit the Prophet.
A little thing that brings joy to the young is the simplest. My mother used to say, “Whoever makes a child happy, makes the Prophet happy!” Do we truly understand the importance of bringing joy to children’s hearts? I learned from ancient teachers to distribute sweets among students. When I tried this, it worked like magic… the school became a place of joy and fun, and the only value was a handful of modest riyals.
How much happiness can a small bag of candy bring you? The value is not in that tiny bag but in the feeling of kindness you cultivate within yourself toward children and the creation of affection with them. From Prophet Muhammad, we learn the beginnings of gentleness. How many of us have heard or read the prophetic saying, "O Abu Umair, what has the Nughair (sparrow) done?" without understanding its deeper meaning or grasping its true message!
I’m not telling you to be like camels or donkeys for your children, but I say: pay attention to the Prophet’s humility and his tenderness toward children. Whoever wants the path to Paradise, should follow the prophetic footprints — and indeed, they will reach. Didn’t Suraqa ibn Malik reach the Cave of Thawr on the day of migration when he tracked the trail? I tell you: there are moral footprints still intact and waiting to be followed. Why not try to walk behind them and see the Prophet?
I saw him in a dream, and you will see for yourself that if his smile is weighed against everything in the world, his smile will outweigh everything. So why don’t we learn from him the secret of smiling, the art of kindness, and the happiness of life? Why not nickname your little one Abu Umair or any other respectful nickname? Why not ask your child about his small pet as the Prophet did? Why not prolong prostration if one of your children needs rest? Isn’t the Prophet a better role model for us? So why do we become harsh with children, carry sticks, and practice hitting and scolding?
Our behaviors have strayed far from the guiding light of example. We boast about knowledge, but in reality, it’s miserable! So why not open the page of learning as an elementary child does? Let’s write the basics of morals in the school of life, not just by writing, but through action and participation. Start by distributing candies to train your heart in kindness.
I used to see a man feeding animals in the park every day, as if feeding them was a duty. What did this man gain from it? We fill containers with leftover food, while animals have no share in our provisions! Notice how the Prophet teaches us the lesson of kindness: when he eats a date, he gives the seed to his animal… So where do your leftover foods go?
Abdulaziz Al Zaid
